Memorial service for Meredith Emerson

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Memorial service for Meredith Emerson

Memorial service for Meredith Emerson in Athens.

Family and friends of Meredith Emerson walk to the memorial service for her Friday at Center Presbyterian Church in Athens.

There was standing room only as 350-plus gathered to remember the 24-year-old Georgia graduate who went missing on New Year's Day. Police have charged Gary Michael Hilton, a 61-year-old drifter with killing Emerson.

A police officer directs traffic outside the church.

Meredith Emerson's dog, Ella, is walked by a family friend outside the church.

People gather outside Center Presbyterian Church in Athens before the start of Friday's memorial service.

Family, friends, co-workers, search and rescue members, and firefighters were on hand for the emotional ceremony.

Mourners embrace following the service.

Mourners leave the memorial service.

Friends and family members outside the church after the service. Three of Emerson's friends and one cousin, Jason Emerson, spoke during the hour-long tribute.

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Family and friends of Meredith Emerson walk to the memorial service for her Friday at Center Presbyterian Church in Athens.

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